Chittenango Rotary heralds in turkey season with inaugural turkey shoot

Chittenango >> Youths and adults from all over Central New York assembled to test their aim and get in some shooting practice for turkey season at the Chittenango Rotary Club's inaugural turkey shoot at the Canastota Conservation Club.

Marilyn Anderson, president of the Chittenango Rotary Club, got the idea from a Rotary Club in Wyoming while on vacation. She said she had never heard of one in the area, and thought that it would be a great event for the club and the community of hunters and outdoorsmen and women.

Each team was comprised of four shooters who shot together at paper turkey targets in two rounds. After the team was done, the best of each shooter's marks would be taken and scored. The team with the highest total score would have their name placed on a plaque. The best overall shooter would win a new Weatherby shotgun. Teams from all over the area came to the event, including Marine Corps League members, Boy Scouts, Sheriffs, the Madison County Friends of the NRA, and local organizations.

"We're out here supporting a nice organization," said ASA Vice President Lloyd Weigel. "We look forward to anything outdoors, and are glad we can provide an opportunity for some kids to practice shooting and competing."

Advertisement

Weigel said he didn't know how well the teams would do in the competition. They registered two adult teams and two youth teams. He said having fun was all that mattered.

Boy Scout Troop 11 from Chittenango also participated in the event, with members Jacob Teeter, Daniel Mosack, Nate Lanning and Erik Eklund taking aim on the range.

"We're just here shooting for fun," said Eklund. "Events like these are a great way to get the outdoor community together."

The boys said that when they aren't out Scouting, camping, hiking and shooting at targets, they like to play "Minecraft" and "Call of Duty."

Scout Master and troop leader Jim Eklund said the event is not part of a badge requirement for the Scouts, though it is a great team building exercise and outlet for friendly competition. He said the boys were interested in participating and that he encourages them to make their own decisions.

Erik Eklund is the only one of the boys who does not hunt. Coincidentally, he was also the team's highest scoring shooter.

The boys weren't sure of how well they would do as a team in the competition.

"Some of the people shooting today have been doing it a lot longer than we have, so I doubt we'll win," said Lanning. "But, you never know."

Anderson said the event was successful and brought in shooters of all ages.

"It's a resurrection of an old, good thing," Anderson said. She was told shoots were a popular pastime in the area in the past. "It's nice to be able to do something positive through an activity that some of our members enjoy and use for sport."

Anderson hopes to continue the event and host another next spring.

The $100 entry for all adult teams, and $75 for kids teams went to the Chittenango Rotary Club, which will put the money back into local charities like the Madison County Children's Camp and Advanced Strategies Adventures (ASA), an outreach group that takes disabled individuals on hunting and fishing trips.